Since New Amsterdam became New York in 1664, constant change and development has been its driving force. Today, it is America’s densest urban environment and most vital city, boasting one of the most recognizable skylines in the world.

The towering blocks of steel and glass are the attraction of thousands of visitors to the city each year and the focus of many artists each trying to represent their interpretation of the cities aura, personality and all encompassing energy.

London settled by the Romans in 43 AD has undergone constant change and still today is ever evolving.

Its iconic skyline wouldn’t be the same without its many spires and famed domed cathedral of St. Pauls designed by Christopher Wren, views of which are fiercely protected to maintain the type of skyline captured by Canaletto in the 18th century.

Rachel Tighe, dubbed the modern Lowry. Her work brings together a unique illustrative technique blended with graphical design processes and infused with a strong sense of colour

Nowadays the city becoming better known for its ultra modern skyscrapers such as Norman Foster’s Gherkin and most recently Renzo Piano’s, Shard at London Bridge.

Arguably this is creating a cityscape that looks no different to that of other cities, but in my opinion this is no bad thing. Both London and New York have become global powerhouses, epicentres of commerce, culture and politics and if we were to restrict this natural evolution of the city they run the risk of stagnating, becoming glorified museum pieces that are unable to flourish and break into the new world.

Both cities inspire and draw us in, it isn’t hard to see why so many artists are compelled to paint cityscapes across the world and why so many want these scenes hanging in our homes.

Featured below are some examples of famous cityscapes from around the world for you to enjoy: